PLG Wine Shop Celebrates Anniversary With Old Fashioned Grape Stomp, Brooklyn-Style

Little Mo Wine & Spirits, which was opened in 2015 by Prospect-Lefferts Gardens resident Mark Schwartz, is celebrating its one-year anniversary this Saturday, October 15, at their wine shop on Nostrand Avenue. But this isn’t just any anniversary party, it’s an old-fashioned Grape Stomp on the streets of Brooklyn.

Schwartz is inviting the neighborhood to crush 120 pounds of grapes — by foot! The process called pigeage, a french winemaking term, and has been a wine tradition that spans over several centuries. But it’s likely to be a first for the streets of Brooklyn, according to the store’s press release.

“I’m an occasional home winemaker, and I think you really can get a new appreciation for wine when you see it made,” said Schwartz. “It’s an agricultural product, and this being harvest time, it seemed like a great way to celebrate a year in business.”

Once the all the grapes have been smashed accordingly, Schwartz will enlist the help of Bitters & Esters, a local source for home brewing, and the Brooklyn Winery. Through their efforts, the wine will then be “vinified into a one of a kind Nostrand Avenue cuvee [tank].”

Little Mo Wine will provide booties for those want to participate in the stomping. In addition to the opportunity to make wine, there will also be a smattering of treats being served from local vendors, music, and sample spirits and wine.

In the year since they have been opened, the wine shop has quickly become a local favorite of wine aficionados across the community.

“We’ve been beyond pleased with the response from the neighborhood, and really humbled by the support of over 1000 customers,” said Schwartz. “I knew, as a resident, that folks in Flatbush also wanted — and deserved — nice things. Putting great wines within the reach of everyone who lives here makes me happy daily.”

Little Mo Wine Shop is open Monday through Sunday from 12pm to 9pm, offering free delivery, a subscription wine club, and the pairing wall. The wall offers wine suggestions for many local take-out spots, helping to support other local businesses in PLG.

Taking some great event pictures? Email them to us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.

Brooklyn Grape Stomp 2016
Where: 1125 Nostrand Avenue at the corner of Midwood Street.
When: Saturday, October 15 from 12–5pm.
Why: Little Mo Wine & Spirits anniversary
Includes: Little Mo Wine, Bitter & Esters, Brooklyn Winery, desserts by Michael Allen and more.